Don't Look Up

 

         Written and directed by Adam McKay, this comic satire is an allegory of the state of the world today. And while it is sporadically very funny, it's underlying themes are all too depressing.

         When doctoral astronomy student, Kate Dibiasky, played by Jennifer Lawrence, discovers a comet heading towards earth, she immediately tells Dr. Randall Mindy, an astronomy professor played by Leonardo DiCaprio, of the impending danger. The two make every attempt to warn the government and the media of the disaster facing the world but no one takes them seriously.  Ms. Lawrence and Mr. DiCaprio are both terrific, alternating between hysteria and resignation at the various responses they receive everywhere they turn.

         The film is stuffed with an all-star cast. Meryl Streep plays the self-absorbed President of the United States, a not too subtle riff on a recent former president. Jonah Hill is her Chief of Staff as well as her son. Ms. Streep is clearly enjoying herself and Mr. Hill really plays idiotic, going for the big laughs. Also co-starring are Cate Blanchett and Tyler Perry as cheerful, vapid, morning television hosts. Rob Morgan as the only scientist who actually believes in the impending doom. Mark Rylance, pitch perfect, as a tech billionaire and founder of BASH,  a mash up of obvious current tech billionaires.  and in various other roles, Timothee Chalamet, Ron Perlman, Arianda Grande, Himesh Patel, Melanie Lynskey, Michael Chiklis, and Paul Guilfoyle.

         Mr. McKay's bombastic direction takes no prisoners making his points. He layers on the comedic responses to the horrific situation and we laugh to keep from crying. The film has its funny moments but also tries too hard and at times is so over the top, you can actually lose interest.  I think Mr. McKay may have had "Dr. Strangelove" in mind when conceiving "Don't Look Up" and while clever and smart, it falls short of the brilliance of that iconic film.